Stockmann's Christmas window

The Christmas season was officially opened yesterday by the major of the city and Santa Claus. This also of course brings the traditional Stockmann Christmas window back as well.

At the corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu Stockmann has again set up a beautiful scenery with music. Kids love it but it is also a sight worth visiting for adults to get into the Christmas mood.

Drop by on your walk though the city and have a good start into the week!

Stockmann or Brooklynn?

Did you pass by the Stockmann Department Store at Aleksanterinkatu/Mannerheimintie during the last two weeks? Then you might have noticed a major change at the building. Almost everything that used to say Stockmann has been changed to the name "Brooklynn".

Did a company with such a long history and important meaning for Helsinki really change it's name? The answer is no. Stockmann is just running a huge campaign with the Brooklynn theme and even went that far to change the name at their main entrance for that time.

The campaign which features the famous borough of New York City with related fashion, food and events will still continue until the end of September. After that everything will go back to normal and Stockmann will get its old signs back.

Crazy Weekend at Stockmann

The Hullut Päivät are going on at Stockmann again. And you still have today and tomorrow (both days until 18:00) to get some pretty good deals.

And since today and tomorrow will probably be the most crowded days at Stockmann you might want to check the special offers in advance online.

Good luck and have a nice weekend!

Finnish delicacies at the airport

Some Finnish delicacies are always a nice gift to bring when visiting people abroad. But then it easily gets too late to still make it to the city center. Luckily Helsinki Vantaa Airport is well equiped. And it even has a small Stockmann shop.

Here you find everything that works well as a nice souvenir from Finland. Get e.g. some Salmiakki, Fazer Chocolate or some reindeer salami. Check it out at Terminal 2.

Stockmann's Christmas windows

Did you already see this year's Christmas window at Stockmann? It has a long tradition. For the Christmas season Stockmann dedicates its corner windows at Keskuskatu/Aleksanterinkatu completely to the children. They create a magic winter wonderland with teddy bears and other stuffed animals baking, skiing, wrapping presents and more.

No matter if you have children or not you should drop by on your next walk through the city. It really gets you into the Christmas mood.

Have a nice week!

First Christmas trees

The first Christmas trees arrived in the city center. You can see them, decorated with lots of small Christmas lights, on Keskuskatu in front of Stockmann.

Not long anymore till the Stockmann Christmas window will be opened as well.

Lighten up your day with a piece of cake

Did you know that you can get some of the best cakes in Helsinki at Herkku and the backery at Stockmann? They make and sell some sweet, delicious cakes and pastries.

Get them for take away or have a slice right there.

Early Crazy Days

Stockmann's Hullut Päivät (Crazy Days) start again. From tomorrow until Sunday there will be lots of great deals again. If you are planning on getting something there, check out their offers beforehand online and arrive early. Some things might be sold out in no time. And keep in mind that this time Stockmann opens its doors at 7:00 already.

If you want to avoid the huge crowds of Stockmann at Aleksanterinkatu in the city center, consider to rather visit some of the smaller Stockmann stores around Helsinki. They have the same offers and are much more quiet. You find a list of them on their website.

Happy Crazy Days!

Tasty makkara from Harju

The neighborhood of Harju is home to one of Helsinki's best sausage producers. Harjun Makkaratehdas produces some excellent meat products here. Their sausages have a growing fan base in and around the city. With their grilled sausages at several of Helsinki's street food events they managed to convince customers of the quality of their products.

Now you can also buy Makkarathedas sausages at Stockmann. They can be found in the meat department of Stockmann Herkku. The variety of flavors is huge. So give it a try and get some for your own grill at home. Enjoy!

Street Gastro at Stockmann

Street food is booming in Helsinki. For that reason Finland's biggest department store Stockmann starts their street food campaign today. Till the end of September you can get delicious street food ingredients from Stockmann Herkku. Buy e.g. Street Gastro's delicous pulled pork straight from the meat counter. Or check out all their other offers.

 

Or get the real deal right away. From today until Saturday Street Gastro will be on Keskuskatu with two food trucks selling their delicious sandwiches and other street food fresh from the grill.

Check it out and enjoy!

The hidden Stockmann Outlet

It seems as if it disappeared. The Stockmann Outlet that was located at Keskuskatu is not visible anymore. But that doesn't mean it's gone.

Just a few weeks ago a new Nespresso shop opened its doors where the outlet used to be. But if you enter the new shop you will find steps leading down to another store. 

And that store is the Stockmann Outlet. There is no sign outside giving any hint that you can still find it here. Apparently Stockmann doesn't really want any customers there. But check it out. You might find really good deals here.

Relax in front of Stockmann

The Stockmann terrace has been built up and will open during the next days. Here you can buy small snacks and drinks and sit outside right in front of Finland's biggest department store.

Enjoy!

Time for the crazy days

Hullut Päivät are starting again at Stockmann tomorrow. To get the best out of it you should already check their daily changing offers and plan your visit accordingly. Some products might be sold out within a few hours. So it might even make sense to go their before work.

Also if you plan on traveling anyway check out their flight offers. They usually have some good deals and the flights are direct from Helsinki Vantaa with Finnair.

You find the catalog with all offers online.

Sit down and read

Akateeminen Bookstore in the city center is definitely one of the best bookstores you can find in Finland. And did you can also come there to just read into a book first before buying it.

On the first floor you find a few sofas hidden between the book shelves. Grab a book and get comfortable here. It's actually quite a nice athmosphere as well. You also find a tablet attached to each sofa that can give you an overview over Akateeminen's catalouge.

Check it out and enjoy your book!

Stockmann's Christmas window

It's a sign that the Christmas season has started. The Stockmann Christmas window is open. Especially among children it is extremely popular. On the corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu a winter wonderland with moving plush animals and music is awaiting anyway who wants to get into the Christmas mood.

This year there is also an additional Lego Christmas window.

Take a look! 

A coffee with Alvar

Yes, it really still exists. Café Aalto at Akateeminen is still where it used to be. And the Starbucks downstairs doesn't change anything about it. 

Probably the rumors of them closing even got them a boost of customers. Last weekend the place was packed.

And it is a nice place in general. You can feel the spirit of Alvar Aalto who gave the place its name. They have a nice and wide selection of cakes and tarts. Prices are at the higher end though. You could easily find something cheaper in the center. But the atmosphere of Finnish Funkis style and being surrounded by books has something to it.

Check it out!

Starbucks is open

Yesterday the first Starbucks in the city center of Helsinki opened on the first floor of Akateeminen Bookstore. Long time the windows have been taped close. The opening day was a well kept secret and expected much earlier already.

Contrary to assumptions the traditional Café Aalto doesn’t close but will stay at its current location on the second floor.

The whole Akateeminen Bookstore underwent major renovations while still preventing its characteristic Aalto style.

So no matter if you are a Starbucks fan or not there is something new to check out at Akateeminen for everyone.

First Christmas shopping

I know it’s still a while until Christmas. But better be early with you preparation than having to run through the city to find the last roll of wrapping paper on December 23. And if you are in Helsinki as a tourist you probably want to bring back something from your trip to Finland – the country where Santa Claus lives.

No matter if you are searching for some nice christmasy souvenir or just want to get the first decoration for your home you should head to the Argos Hall on the fifth floor of Stockmann in Helsinki. A whole Christmas world is awaiting you here with lots of beautiful Finnish Christmas products. You also find Christmas candy and pastry here.

And believe me, after spending a few minutes here you will be in the Christmas mood for the first time this year.

Stockmann going crazy again

Tomorrow this year’s second Hullut Päivät start again at Stockmann in Helsinki and all their other branches throughout the country.

As always most offers are just valid for one of the five days. It might make sense to take a look at the catalogue in advance and make a plan when to come to Stockmann during those days. Remember that some products are sold out quite quickly and sometimes it’s recommended to be there already early in the morning to ensure you still get them.

More information on the special offers can be found from the Hullut Päivät website (just in Finnish and Swedish). Hullut Päivät are on till Sunday October 13.

Enjoy the crazy days!

Once around the world at Stockmann

You wonder what time it is in Tokyo right now? Well at Stockmann’s magazine department (not Akateeminen) in Helsinki you can find out. The big clocks on the wall tell you how late it is around the world right now.

And while you are there you can browse through some magazines and newspapers from exactly those places. Stockmann has magazines from all over the world and definitely also something that interests you.